This might sound crazy...

oliversmommy32912

This might sound crazy but is there anything one can do or take to increase one's chances of staying pregnant longer?

I had DS at 36.6. I had a wonderful un-medicated hospital birth. I would like to have my next baby in a nearby birth center, however they will not let me birth there if I don't make it to at least 37 weeks to the day due to liability reasons. DS was totally fine-- his Apgars were 9 and 9 and he was 7lbs 1 oz. He did have some BFing issues and was a little sleepier than usual but was otherwise very healthy. I am convinced he was just done cooking.

We are starting to think about trying for the next baby soon and I was thinking about all of this. I was so close to 37 weeks and I have no reason to believe that I won't make it as far with the next baby but would like to keep the next one in a little longer if I can. I am just curious to see if anyone has any ideas so I can do a little research. 

Thanks! 

catsinawindow

You might look into calcium supplementation.  I've been doing some research on calcium supplementation recently (for PreE prevention in my case) and have read that it may prevent premature delivery.  Here's a paper that describes the effect:  https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/2220915/reload=0;jsessionid=OtBrumGDUEMsl6y7ZNAf.34

This paper does study high-risk women, so your situation might be different.  It's somewhere to start, though :-)

Temp76535187505890

In your case it might come down to accuracy of conception date. How was your last pregnancy dated? From last menstrual cycle? You might want to start charting so you can pinpoint your day or small window of conception so you don't have that fudge factor working against you.

oliversmommy32912

ArmyQM:

In your case it might come down to accuracy of conception date. How was your last pregnancy dated? From last menstrual cycle? You might want to start charting so you can pinpoint your day or small window of conception so you don't have that fudge factor working against you.

We are super sure about dates. We have been using the FAM for natural family planning for the last three years. I chart, track my CM, cervical position, and use OPK's. This is a time where it is actually working against us.I usually ovulate around CD 20 so if I had gone by LMP I would have been a little further along than I knew I really was.

The early ultrasound confirmed my dates but we have toyed with the idea of skipping the early ultrasound so they will go by my LMP to make it seem like I am a few days further along than I really am. I don't like being dishonest though so we probably won't try to fudge the numbers. I would only use it to get an extra day or two. I don't want to deliver a 36 weeker in a birth center anyway. My son turned out just fine but I feel safer with an early baby at the hospital.

oliversmommy32912

lisagde:

You might look into calcium supplementation.  I've been doing some research on calcium supplementation recently (for PreE prevention in my case) and have read that it may prevent premature delivery.  Here's a paper that describes the effect:  https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/2220915/reload=0;jsessionid=OtBrumGDUEMsl6y7ZNAf.34

This paper does study high-risk women, so your situation might be different.  It's somewhere to start, though :-)

Thank you! That's exactly the sort of thing I am looking for. I will do some research on this. 

Temp76535187505890

oliversmommy32912:

ArmyQM:

In your case it might come down to accuracy of conception date. How was your last pregnancy dated? From last menstrual cycle? You might want to start charting so you can pinpoint your day or small window of conception so you don't have that fudge factor working against you.

We are super sure about dates. We have been using the FAM for natural family planning for the last three years. I chart, track my CM, cervical position, and use OPK's. This is a time where it is actually working against us.I usually ovulate around CD 20 so if I had gone by LMP I would have been a little further along than I knew I really was.

The early ultrasound confirmed my dates but we have toyed with the idea of skipping the early ultrasound so they will go by my LMP to make it seem like I am a few days further along than I really am. I don't like being dishonest though so we probably won't try to fudge the numbers. I would only use it to get an extra day or two. I don't want to deliver a 36 weeker in a birth center anyway. My son turned out just fine but I feel safer with an early baby at the hospital.

Well crap.  There goes that theory.   

catsinawindow

oliversmommy32912:

lisagde:

You might look into calcium supplementation.  I've been doing some research on calcium supplementation recently (for PreE prevention in my case) and have read that it may prevent premature delivery.  Here's a paper that describes the effect:  https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/2220915/reload=0;jsessionid=OtBrumGDUEMsl6y7ZNAf.34

This paper does study high-risk women, so your situation might be different.  It's somewhere to start, though :-)

Thank you! That's exactly the sort of thing I am looking for. I will do some research on this. 

Glad I could help :-)  Good luck with your research!